Species Cattleya Rest Period

[pixieStar]

Hi everybody. I was wondering if I could get some more advice on C. amethystoglossa. I just got my first one, it is small, I got it this month (in March) and it has a new growth. I read in an earlier post that it needs a 4-5 month winter rest period with water every 2 weeks. I wanted to know when, or if there was a que for when to begin this rest period and when to end it. Begin rest period after flowering? End when new roots form? Also how much to water when the rest period is over, every week-ish with some misting in-between? I know orchids NEED to be paid attention to and that observation and following the gut is necessary but a few more tips on this would help put me at ease with my new little friend.

Thanks!

	Mistking Looking for a misting system? Look no further. Automated misting systems from MistKing are used by multitude of plant enthusiasts and are perfect for Orchids. Systems feature run dry pumps, ZipDrip valve, adjustable black nozzles, per second control! Automatically mist one growing shelf or a greenhouse full of Orchids. See MistKing testimonials

[isurus79]

If you have a seedling and your temp where the plant is growing stay warm, then you dont really have to pay much attention to the rest period thing. If you keep watering it will keep growing. Thats how I grow all my seedlings and it works!

[Zozzl]

That a really good idea to put the cultural requirements on the tag.

[pixieStar]

Much appreciated. I will try watering/no winter rest until he is significantly bigger. I think he needs a re-pot because he is overflowing from his 2" plastic one but after that TLC and patience. And oh! The very very nice and helpful man who sold him to me told me he is "salt sensitive" and so to be sure to re-pot every two years or he will not want to bloom. Just thought I would share that in case it could help anyone or solve any mysteries.

Thanks again Steve and everyone else at OB!

[GregorK]

Hello everyone

I have some questions about rest periodes of some orchids i just bought
what is the suitable temperature for them when they are in the rest period and water requirements? What hapens if the temperatures are too high?
If this was already answered on this forum please redirect me there . but i do want to know more about these i just bought

the orchids are:
Blc. Beauty Girl Kendolie Lily (mature plant, it has two new growths at the moment)

Cattleya aclandiae (mature, mounted, also new growth)
Laelia purpurata var. werkhauseri (young plant, it will need 2 more years to flower)
Laelia tenebrosa ( mature plant. also has new growth)

Thank you for your answers in advance!
best regards
Gregor

[WhiteRabbit]

I don't think any of those require cool temps in winter. The species do like to be dryer in winter. Just a bit dry for purpurata. I have read that aclandiae likes to be quite dry in winter, but I am new to growing one myself, so am not sure just HOW dry.

The hybrid likely can be grown as usual.

You are likely to get more replies if you start a new thread with your question. I am not an expert, so others weighing in would be a good thing

[palm521]

Apologies for my English : (please read on)

my experience with lueddemaniana:

there is 2 different biotypes of lueddemaniana, the coastal one, (usually bigger flowers, with better shape and pale color), and the larense biotype dark colored flowers ,smaller and more starshaped than rounded, , ( btw most of the best Coerulias are all larence biotype)./

the larence biotype usually deals with less humidity and less water in nature. for the other biotype, mother nature gives them far more water. larense biotype usually shows smaller pseudo - bulbs and the plant is usually shorter than the coastal biotype.

my experience shows that lueddemaniana are more of an opportunist than anything else, they usually adapt and take advantage of any changes in humidity, or water frequency, in nature they usually bloom once per year, but in cultivation they can do twice.

if mounted , it can take plenty of water only if good ventilation is provided, (Also applies to mossiae)

what most cattleya hates is stagnant water in their roots + colder than normal enviroment, (will lead to rot in the roots, plus other forms of unwanted fungi & bacteria.)

however, in my experience this plants likes a SHORT drier rest after they bloomed, so If I water my plants every 3 days , I will do it once a week , and a will do this for at least 4 weeks. after that I will water then normally and increase the ventilation.also I do provide a constant 2400 to 2800FC

so per front :
my mossiaes provide 2 new growth per year, and only 1 blooms.
my lueddemaniana : 2 new growths per year and they bloom twice.
my gaskelianas provide 2 new growths per year and flowers once. rarely twice.
my Percivalianas do 2-3 new growths per year and blooms once.

cheers

Antonio.

[GregorK]

Thanks a lot White rabbit.
I will try with a new thread

regards
Gregor

[wcrosman]

So newbie here and just got my 1st cat hybrid after xmas. Its a Blc Copper Queen aka Marriottara Copper Queen.

It had a bloom on its way out when purchased. New root were visible so I repotted it. Its growing like crazy with a pseudo bulb approaching size for a flower and another bulb just about ready to leaf out.

I have been fertilizing weekly with 1 week off out of 4.

Does this hybrid need a rest period? Did I screw up by fertilizing? The orchid grow shop purchased from said they treat everything the same in their greenhouse, so I have been treating them like my Phals.

[My Green Pets]

Hi Tom, I would say a slightly drier rest in the winter, with half or less fertilizer than the growing season, wouldn't hurt and may benefit many hybrids out there. Yours is 29% dowiana, 25% milleri and 25% B. nodosa, so yours would certainly not be unhappy with a winter rest.
Also, if you are interested in seeing what other Front Range growers have to say, I suggest the Denver Orchid Growers Facebook group. There's nearly 800 members, from total newbies to seasoned veterans. Good luck.